Thieves Swipe Thousands in Labubu Dolls from California Shop

In La Puente, California, a shocking burglary unfolded in the early morning hours of August 6.

Security cameras captured four masked individuals breaking into One Stop Sales, a toy and collectibles store that had only been open for two months.

A Late-Night Hit on a New Store

The group used a reportedly stolen Toyota Tacoma to smash their way in, then hurriedly swept shelves clean of merchandise—primarily Labubu dolls—before vanishing into the night.

Store owner Joanna Avendano, still reeling from the incident, described the scene as “heartbreaking.” Shattered glass littered the floor, display racks were overturned, and nearly every new shipment of the store’s most popular item had vanished.

Losses Far Beyond Labubu Price Tags

According to local authorities, the stolen Labubu dolls had an estimated retail value of $7,000. Avendano, however, believes the true financial hit could be closer to $25,000 or even $30,000. This includes additional items damaged or taken during the burglary, as well as the lost opportunity to sell rare stock in peak demand.

The timing was no accident. Just days earlier, One Stop Sales had posted on social media announcing a large new Labubu delivery. Avendano also reported seeing a suspicious car loitering near the shop, a detail she now suspects was part of the criminals’ surveillance.

What Makes Labubu So Desirable?

Labubu dolls aren’t just toys—they’re a pop culture phenomenon. Designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, these quirky, wide-eyed characters come in sealed “blind boxes,” making every purchase a gamble. Fans hunt for rare editions, and some limited releases have fetched hundreds or even thousands of dollars in online resale markets.

Their unique mix of cute and slightly eerie has fueled massive popularity on social media, where unboxing videos and collector showcases rack up millions of views. The hype has reached such heights that restocks often sell out within minutes, and certain stores have even implemented lottery systems to manage crowds.

The Dark Side of Labubu & Collectible Mania

While the Labubu craze brings joy to collectors, it has also made the dolls a high-value target for thieves. Similar thefts and scams have been reported internationally, from counterfeit Labubus in Europe to street-level resales in Asia.

For Avendano, the theft is more than a financial wound—it’s a blow to the community she’s been trying to build around her store.

A Call for Information

Authorities are investigating and encouraging anyone with tips to come forward. Meanwhile, Avendano is focused on rebuilding, tightening store security, and reassuring loyal customers. “It’s not just about the dolls,” she says. “It’s about trust and community. We’ll bounce back.”

For collectors, the robbery is a stark reminder that behind the fun of chasing rare finds lies a market valuable enough to inspire real-world crime.

You might also want to read: Pop Mart Is Worth More Than Mattel, Hasbro & Sanrio Combined